Honda plans to develop 2026 F1 powertrain until "very last moment"

Honda plans to push back its FIA homologation process until just before the 2026 Formula 1 season as it aims to develop its V6 turbo hybrid engine until the “very last moment”.

Next year’s new powertrain formula will feature a more equal split in power delivery between the internal combustion engine and the electrical components; although the 1.6-litre V6 turbo engines remain in place, they will be de-powered and produce around 550bhp, with the rest of the projected 1000bhp coming from the electric motor.

This coincides with Honda’s full factory return to F1 after its withdrawal from the championship at the end of 2021, although it still continued its support of the newly formed Red Bull Powertrains to maintain its title-winning power unit design.

But, after splitting from Red Bull, Honda elected to join forces with Aston Martin from 2026 and beyond. It decided to rejoin the grid late on into the 2026 powertrain tender process, and required time to build up its forces after many ex-Honda engineers were hired by Red Bull full-time.

Tetsushi Kakuda, the overall leader of the F1 project at Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), says that the brand has reached a “considerable stage” with its engine project and is continuing at a pace with its test bed operations as it seeks to firm up its combustion engine.

Although he would not be drawn on the set timeframes with bedding the engine in with Aston Martin, Honda will have to define the physical dimensions of the powertrain in advance to meet the British squad’s own design programme for 2026, but can continue to develop the internals before being homologated.

Tetsushi Kakuda, HRC

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

“We are aiming to submit the homologation in February next year – since we had a slightly late start, we want to push forward until the very last moment,” Kakuda said.

“It’s difficult to say exactly what percentage of progress we have made, but I believe we have reached a considerable stage.

“Regarding how we handle high-speed combustion, fuel-related factors also come into play. The environment is changing drastically, and things will not work the same way as before.

“However, for a gasoline engine, the eternal goal is to burn fuel as quickly as possible. We are currently building an environment to achieve something similar.”

Kakuda added: “There are key timing points when both parties must finalise major components for homologation. We are coordinating with them, discussing when we each want to make our final decisions, and setting the schedule accordingly.”

HRC has also reestablished a UK base in Milton Keynes, resuming control of the headquarters that Honda had used previously while in partnership with Red Bull. The energy drink brand took charge of the premises when it was handed control of the Honda power units, but has since developed its own facilities.

Honda’s powertrain development has been ongoing at HRC’s Sakura base in conjunction with HRC US, which was reorganised from Honda Performance Developments (HPD) at the end of 2023.

The newly formed HRC UK will primarily handle power unit maintenance and operational tasks. Koji Watanabe, president and CEO of HRC, will also serve as the president of HRC UK.